Lab-grown diamonds – everything you need to know

A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond grown in a laboratory rather than deep beneath the earth. It is made of the same material – pure carbon arranged in a crystal structure – and has the same hardness, brilliance and fire as a diamond mined from the ground.

Diamonds are grown using one of two methods: CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition), which builds up layers of carbon on a small diamond seed, or HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature), which recreates the intense pressure and heat that form diamonds in nature. The process takes a few weeks rather than millions of years.

Yes. A lab-grown diamond is chemically, physically and optically identical to a mined diamond. It is not a diamond imitation such as cubic zirconia or moissanite – it is a diamond.

You cannot tell the difference with the naked eye. Even an experienced jeweller using a loupe cannot reliably distinguish the two; specialist laboratory equipment is needed. That is why the certificate always states that the diamond is lab-grown, so you know exactly what you are buying.

The main difference is the price. Without the need for mining and a long chain of intermediaries, a lab-grown diamond often costs a fraction of the price of a mined diamond of the same size and quality.

All diamonds, whether lab-grown or mined, are assessed using the same four characteristics.

Colour

The scale runs from D (completely colourless) to Z (noticeably yellow). The closer a diamond is to D, the clearer and more ice-white it appears. We select diamonds graded D–F, the colourless range at the top of the scale.

Clarity

Clarity describes the tiny inclusions within a diamond. The scale runs from FL (flawless), through VVS and VS, to SI and I. At VS clarity, inclusions are so small that they can only be seen under 10× magnification, never with the naked eye. We select diamonds with VS clarity or higher.

Cut

Cut determines how well a diamond captures and reflects light – in other words, how much it sparkles. A well-cut diamond can look larger and more lively than a heavier stone with a poorer cut. Of the four Cs, cut has the greatest influence on beauty.

Carat

Carat measures a diamond’s weight, not its size. One carat equals 0.2 grams. Two diamonds of the same carat weight can look different in size depending on their shape and cut.

Our advice: Put your budget towards a good cut and a colourless diamond rather than the highest possible clarity grade. The difference between VVS and VS needs a microscope to be seen – everyone can see the difference in sparkle.

IGI (International Gemological Institute) is one of the world’s leading independent gemmological laboratories. An IGI certificate is a diamond’s “passport”: it confirms that the diamond is lab-grown and records its carat weight, colour, clarity and cut.

Every certificate has a unique number that you can check yourself at igi.org. The number is often also laser-inscribed on the diamond’s girdle, linking the certificate to your particular stone.

All our diamonds of 0.5 carats and above come with an IGI certificate. Smaller stones are not usually certified individually, as the cost of certification can exceed the value of the stone. They meet the same quality standards and are checked by us before your jewellery leaves Stockholm.

The price depends mainly on the diamond’s size and quality, and on whether the ring is made in 18K gold or platinum. Platinum is heavier and denser than gold, making it slightly more expensive, but it is also particularly durable and retains its white colour without a surface coating.

Compared with a mined diamond ring, the same budget will often buy you a significantly larger or higher-quality diamond. That gives you more freedom to choose the ring you really want, rather than settling for what your budget allows.

All our rings are made to order, so there is no warehouse stock or unsold jewellery to pay for. This helps keep prices down.

• 18K gold is available in yellow, white and rose gold. It has a classic warmth and feels slightly lighter to wear.
• Platinum (PT950) is naturally white, substantial and very durable. It is a good choice if you want a ring that stands up to everyday wear and retains its lustre for years to come.

Both metals carry fineness hallmarks and our BL maker’s mark, registered with Swedac.

Getting the size right matters, especially when an engagement ring is a surprise. A few tips:

• Borrow a ring your partner already wears on the same finger and measure its inner diameter. Then compare the measurement with our size guide.
• Fingers are often slightly larger in the evening and in warm weather. Try measuring at different times.
• If you are between two sizes, choose the larger one.
• If you are unsure, email us at hello@belovedbylindberg.com – we are happy to help.

Is a lab-grown diamond as durable as a mined diamond?

Yes. It has the same hardness – 10 on the Mohs scale – and withstands the same everyday wear.

Can you tell that a diamond is lab-grown?

Not with the naked eye or a standard jeweller’s loupe. Specialist laboratory equipment is needed. The certificate states that the diamond is lab-grown.

Will a lab-grown diamond lose its sparkle over time?

No. It is a real diamond and retains its brilliance. Clean your ring occasionally with lukewarm water, a little washing-up liquid and a soft toothbrush.

How long will it take to receive my ring?

Every ring is made to order. Allow 6–8 weeks from the time we confirm your order.

Can I change my mind about my purchase?

Yes. Rings from our collection come with a 14-day right of withdrawal from delivery. Bespoke rings made to your own specifications are exempt. Read more on our Right of Withdrawal and Returns page.

Can you create a ring from my own idea?

Yes. We create completely bespoke designs on request, working from a photograph, a sketch or your ideas. Contact us at hello@belovedbylindberg.com.